British Cycling President Brian Cookson is vying for the UCI presidency.

The "bitter battle" to become Int'l Cycling Union (UCI) president "has intensified" after British Cycling President Brian Cookson said an attempt to change the rules on nominations to the post was "an embarrassment to cycling," according to Owen Gibson of the London GUARDIAN. Cookson's rival for the presidency, "controversial" incumbent Pat McQuaid, has "faced a series of problems in his attempts to gain a nomination to be re-elected." The Irish federation "refused to nominate McQuaid, after a backlash from its members." The Swiss federation, which nominated him on the grounds of residency, "faces a legal challenge from three of its members." McQuaid "maintains that his Swiss nomination is secure." However, a new letter from the UCI explains that the Malaysian federation and the Asian Cycling Confederation "have proposed a change in the rules allowing any candidate to stand provided he or she has two nominations from any federation around the world." A Cookson spokesperson said, "This letter is an embarrassment to cycling and a naked attempt to change the rules midway through the election. We must do better than this if we are to restore confidence in the governance of cycling" (GUARDIAN, 7/29).

GOING TO COURT: The LONDON TIMES reported the Swiss nomination is being challenged by three members in court on the basis that the endorsement was "unconstitutional and made without proper authority." The costs of the court case are being "part-funded by" sportswear firm Skins, whose CEO Jaimie Fuller launched campaign group Change Cycling Now. A Skins statement said, "The decision to endorse is tainted on both procedural and substantial grounds and constitutes a clear attempt by Mr McQuaid to circumvent the fact that Cycling Ireland, his own national federation, has democratically decided not to present him again for re-election" (LONDON TIMES, 7/30).